Good news!
Oh, sorry. Guess I should have started that better.
*ahem* Dear Information Marketers,
I was not going to make an update until Monday, but this can't wait.
Just got the message in from my colleague Adrian Newman that the Information Marketing Institute is now going to become a joint venture with the very successful e-Wealth Daily. Given the initial success IMI has been having and the already established success of e-Wealth Daily, it became a no-brainer to put the two together. This will ensure you entrepreneurs have access to ALL the best tips, publications, and news for your businesses. Everyone's working together on this and it's exciting to be part of it.
You should be part of it too.
For more information, click here to go to the e-Wealth Daily website. Our graphic design people are updating it now, so go and see what's new.
Have a good weekend,
JB
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Getting Serious About Spending
Dear Information Marketers,
I was having lunch with my colleague Adrian Newman and he started telling me some stories of spending. First he noticed some people at the local lottery kiosk buying large ticket amounts. Later, at the mall, he saw people buying massive amounts of electronics. And even later, he found out that a colleague who is very strapped for cash due to bad real estate investments is going on a very expensive cruise with his wife and children.
Wow.
I too have seen this kind of thing lately. When I drifted over to the local pub to see my friends the other night, I saw people needlessly buying rounds of drinks or food. Pub food and rounds of Guinness ain't cheap (sadly). My buddy back in my home town just bought a new snow machine which, given it's $10 000 price tag and the fact that it's almost March, tests the limits of irony for his declaration that "Now I can go like Hell whenever I want." And I would tell you about a cousin's VISA bill from a recent shopping spree, but, well...
Again, wow.
But what is the real lesson here? Is all spending bad? Are times that poor economically that we have to become armed guards over our own personal money reserves? Of course not. You need to spend some money on holidays, leisure time, and the like. It's human nature and allows us some much deserved luxury. But discretion is key, especially when things aren't exactly stable in the economy right now. Until the forecast changes for the better, it's best to be safe.
I hate gloom-and-doom news. It creates irrational fear and anxiety in people. But the news these days, especially in the finance pages, has not been good. Hence, it's your job to get tough with yourself. You have to cut corners and curb excesses. And as information marketers, this is especially true. Watching over your finances is so crucial, both in good financial times and in bad.
Part of being in business is staying in business. Spending large amounts of money needlessly is both wasteful and hazardous to the success of your business. If you want to stay successful, you have to watch what you spend. It's that simple.
Good luck!
JB
PS We have some new changes taking place here at IMI. Check us out here for some news and stay tuned for the next posting.
I was having lunch with my colleague Adrian Newman and he started telling me some stories of spending. First he noticed some people at the local lottery kiosk buying large ticket amounts. Later, at the mall, he saw people buying massive amounts of electronics. And even later, he found out that a colleague who is very strapped for cash due to bad real estate investments is going on a very expensive cruise with his wife and children.
Wow.
I too have seen this kind of thing lately. When I drifted over to the local pub to see my friends the other night, I saw people needlessly buying rounds of drinks or food. Pub food and rounds of Guinness ain't cheap (sadly). My buddy back in my home town just bought a new snow machine which, given it's $10 000 price tag and the fact that it's almost March, tests the limits of irony for his declaration that "Now I can go like Hell whenever I want." And I would tell you about a cousin's VISA bill from a recent shopping spree, but, well...
Again, wow.
But what is the real lesson here? Is all spending bad? Are times that poor economically that we have to become armed guards over our own personal money reserves? Of course not. You need to spend some money on holidays, leisure time, and the like. It's human nature and allows us some much deserved luxury. But discretion is key, especially when things aren't exactly stable in the economy right now. Until the forecast changes for the better, it's best to be safe.
I hate gloom-and-doom news. It creates irrational fear and anxiety in people. But the news these days, especially in the finance pages, has not been good. Hence, it's your job to get tough with yourself. You have to cut corners and curb excesses. And as information marketers, this is especially true. Watching over your finances is so crucial, both in good financial times and in bad.
Part of being in business is staying in business. Spending large amounts of money needlessly is both wasteful and hazardous to the success of your business. If you want to stay successful, you have to watch what you spend. It's that simple.
Good luck!
JB
PS We have some new changes taking place here at IMI. Check us out here for some news and stay tuned for the next posting.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Value of Personal Investment
To all info marketers,
I hope you had a good weekend. We had lots of snow here but I managed to make the best of it and get out skiing very easily. Driving was another matter, though (!).
I got an e-mail late on Friday from another info marketer. He was confused about his expenses. Along the way, someone had told him that old maxim: "It takes money to make money." Of course, his next question was: "Well, how much...?"
It's a good question and am I ever glad he asked me first. Because I really don't have the answer. That's the truth. It would be presumptuous of me to go and tell this man how much he should and shouldn't spend on his business. They will have to learn for themselves.
I can however give some advice on some do's and don't's of investing in your own information marketing business that I know will help you:
a. DO budget yourself - I have mentioned this before and I will mention it again. Coming up with a reasonable budget of what to spend on your business and sticking to it will save you infinite problems and hassles. Consider what tools you wil need and take some time alotting the appropriate funds for the venture. Then spend accordingly.
b. DO think about the future - You cannot predict everything that is going to happen to you, either in your personal or business life. But you can prepare for as my friend John calls it "the worst case scenario". Start reading the business section of the newspaper and try to keep abreast of what the economic forecast is predicting. Be sure to save some money along the way, and monitor your expenditures and revenues closely.
c. Do NOT believe in magic, miracles, or the like - Sadly there is no magic in business. None. While some people consult psychics and spiritual advisors, I am of the opinion that commitment is the best way to go. Part of commitment in anything, be it marriage, or business, requires you to endure through tough times. My superior Michael Lombardi has endured quite a few of these but has continued on despite this. Why? He loves it and cannot imagine doing anything else with his life. Once you settle on information marketing, your perseverence and hard work will reward you, but only with commitment and planning. It's that simple.
d. Do NOT rush into it - As with the above, you can waste time and money if you move too quickly. Personal success will come, but not overnight. You have to work at it. Don't go too fast - it's not worth burning your wallet or yourself out at all.
My suggestions above might sound too simple, easy, and trivial. But they are important. Too often, entrepreneurs have fallen by the wayside because they did not remember the importance of these tidbits of information. You have to invest in yourself, but with discretion and some forethought.
For more information, visit us here at the Information Marketing Institute website.
Best,
JB
I hope you had a good weekend. We had lots of snow here but I managed to make the best of it and get out skiing very easily. Driving was another matter, though (!).
I got an e-mail late on Friday from another info marketer. He was confused about his expenses. Along the way, someone had told him that old maxim: "It takes money to make money." Of course, his next question was: "Well, how much...?"
It's a good question and am I ever glad he asked me first. Because I really don't have the answer. That's the truth. It would be presumptuous of me to go and tell this man how much he should and shouldn't spend on his business. They will have to learn for themselves.
I can however give some advice on some do's and don't's of investing in your own information marketing business that I know will help you:
a. DO budget yourself - I have mentioned this before and I will mention it again. Coming up with a reasonable budget of what to spend on your business and sticking to it will save you infinite problems and hassles. Consider what tools you wil need and take some time alotting the appropriate funds for the venture. Then spend accordingly.
b. DO think about the future - You cannot predict everything that is going to happen to you, either in your personal or business life. But you can prepare for as my friend John calls it "the worst case scenario". Start reading the business section of the newspaper and try to keep abreast of what the economic forecast is predicting. Be sure to save some money along the way, and monitor your expenditures and revenues closely.
c. Do NOT believe in magic, miracles, or the like - Sadly there is no magic in business. None. While some people consult psychics and spiritual advisors, I am of the opinion that commitment is the best way to go. Part of commitment in anything, be it marriage, or business, requires you to endure through tough times. My superior Michael Lombardi has endured quite a few of these but has continued on despite this. Why? He loves it and cannot imagine doing anything else with his life. Once you settle on information marketing, your perseverence and hard work will reward you, but only with commitment and planning. It's that simple.
d. Do NOT rush into it - As with the above, you can waste time and money if you move too quickly. Personal success will come, but not overnight. You have to work at it. Don't go too fast - it's not worth burning your wallet or yourself out at all.
My suggestions above might sound too simple, easy, and trivial. But they are important. Too often, entrepreneurs have fallen by the wayside because they did not remember the importance of these tidbits of information. You have to invest in yourself, but with discretion and some forethought.
For more information, visit us here at the Information Marketing Institute website.
Best,
JB
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Stumped - Overcoming the Pitfalls of Writer's Block
Dear Info Marketers,
Once again, we've been busy at the Information Marketing Institute. Lately, I've been conversing with my colleagues Adrian Newman, John Hurd, and Mathew LeCompte on some new product ideas. I've also been writing articles like crazy, submitting to the Info Marketing e-Hotline, as well as to some article websites online. If you haven't already signed up for the e-Hotline, click here to get started.
Doing all this writing is pretty tough, but I love it. Even on a bad day, if I can hear my fingers moving away across the keyboard, then I know things are happening. One day things weren't so hot, and the fingers weren't moving at all. I turned to Mathew and Adrian for advice. "Oh," they said. "You've got writer's block." They'd had it before.
Here were some of their tips:
a. Get out of the funk - This sounds like an AA meeting, but it's true. Get out of the funk, or get out of whatever you're doing. Stop writing. Admit you're out of ideas. Relax. Take a break. In short, do something to let your mind rest a bit.
b. Check out other media - I like to read and often go to my bookcase to dig out a novel, essay collection, or reference book for some ideas. My colleagues often check out the newspaper or trade magazines. Sometime surfing the Net or cable TV can generate ideas too. If you relax and just view these other media, you might get a fresh idea come in from out of the blue.
c. Take notes - I often have a notepad in the back of my daily agenda book. It helps if I'm on the subway or bus and overhear a conversation or see an interesting banner ad. I can jot down ideas right then and refer back to them when I have to.
d. Ask questions or phone a professional - My buddy Mike lives in Calgary and he is ALWAYS on MSN. If I need help or an idea, I shoot him a quick message and he always gets back to me. This can work for you too. If you get to meet people in your industry who can help your information marketing business, add their contact information to your e-mail contact list. Don't be afraid to message or call them if you need help. And do not be afraid to pick their brains thoroughly - sometimes you have to ask a lot to get the results you need.
You hear these horror stories about songwriters or novelists who get terrible writer's block. It's sad, especially since their career depends on them being creative. But the beauty of being an information marketer is that you can often get help if you have writer's block. There's lots of ideas out there to be shared. It's just a matter of getting them.
For more information on curing writer's block, visit us here at the Information Marketing Institute Website.
Take care,
James B.
Once again, we've been busy at the Information Marketing Institute. Lately, I've been conversing with my colleagues Adrian Newman, John Hurd, and Mathew LeCompte on some new product ideas. I've also been writing articles like crazy, submitting to the Info Marketing e-Hotline, as well as to some article websites online. If you haven't already signed up for the e-Hotline, click here to get started.
Doing all this writing is pretty tough, but I love it. Even on a bad day, if I can hear my fingers moving away across the keyboard, then I know things are happening. One day things weren't so hot, and the fingers weren't moving at all. I turned to Mathew and Adrian for advice. "Oh," they said. "You've got writer's block." They'd had it before.
Here were some of their tips:
a. Get out of the funk - This sounds like an AA meeting, but it's true. Get out of the funk, or get out of whatever you're doing. Stop writing. Admit you're out of ideas. Relax. Take a break. In short, do something to let your mind rest a bit.
b. Check out other media - I like to read and often go to my bookcase to dig out a novel, essay collection, or reference book for some ideas. My colleagues often check out the newspaper or trade magazines. Sometime surfing the Net or cable TV can generate ideas too. If you relax and just view these other media, you might get a fresh idea come in from out of the blue.
c. Take notes - I often have a notepad in the back of my daily agenda book. It helps if I'm on the subway or bus and overhear a conversation or see an interesting banner ad. I can jot down ideas right then and refer back to them when I have to.
d. Ask questions or phone a professional - My buddy Mike lives in Calgary and he is ALWAYS on MSN. If I need help or an idea, I shoot him a quick message and he always gets back to me. This can work for you too. If you get to meet people in your industry who can help your information marketing business, add their contact information to your e-mail contact list. Don't be afraid to message or call them if you need help. And do not be afraid to pick their brains thoroughly - sometimes you have to ask a lot to get the results you need.
You hear these horror stories about songwriters or novelists who get terrible writer's block. It's sad, especially since their career depends on them being creative. But the beauty of being an information marketer is that you can often get help if you have writer's block. There's lots of ideas out there to be shared. It's just a matter of getting them.
For more information on curing writer's block, visit us here at the Information Marketing Institute Website.
Take care,
James B.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Notes on Updating
Dear Information Marketers,
Hope you all had a good weekend. Up here in Canada, we just had a holiday Monday - Family Day - and I spent all day yesterday eating good food my mom and her family cooked for me. Needless to say I made the most of that holiday, but you will forgive me the late update for Confessions of an Info Marketer.
Now that we're back in the swing of things, I thought I should provide this update with some info on, well, updating. A lot of IMI members have been asking for some advice on updating their website and how to make the most of their website.
Here are some things I do:
a. Always keep a "What's New" page - Keeping your clients informed on new developments to your business is crucial. Always provide new information to your website, no matter how big or small. You may have to struggle at times to provide new info during times of low activity, but provide your clients with some new development in your business or area of knowledge.
*Do not look at this as stressful activity - it can be a great way to come up with new creative ideas and forcing you to stay on top of your business in your clients' best interest.
b. Keep an archive - even after posting new messages, do not get rid of old material. Like a library for your business, it can be valuable to new clients who need help and advice.
c. Update on a regular schedule - I actually drew out a table for my schedule of updating this blog, the IMI website, and my online article submissions. I stick to it exclusively.
Do the same, especially with your What's New. Customers appreciate that kind of prompt service and it help make your business that much more reputable.
d. Add a new design - Rightly or wrongly, fashion and trends change. It's just how it goes. Like your home decor, sometimes your website is going to need a new look. Keep abreast of new online trends and if you feel that your website is starting to look old, update it with a more contemporary look. If you get stuck with this, look up a graphic designer or other
e. Change a new feature or icon - One of my favourite bands never wanted to put music samples online. Until recently. Now you can log onto their website and get snippets of new recordings before they are commercial available. Fans like me have already posted comments and created a new buzz for the band's new disc release. If you have a video of a seminar you held or a new splash graphic for a particular product, put it up. A new, more modern update can make your website look that much more appealing to both new and existing clients. You can create your own buzz.
Updating your website is truly one of the best things of being an information marketer. You can utilize your creative juices to come up with something really appealing for your clients and, in the end, generate even more sales. It's a great vehicle for success.
More to come. All the best for the week,
James B.
For more information, visit us here at the Information Marketing Institute.
Hope you all had a good weekend. Up here in Canada, we just had a holiday Monday - Family Day - and I spent all day yesterday eating good food my mom and her family cooked for me. Needless to say I made the most of that holiday, but you will forgive me the late update for Confessions of an Info Marketer.
Now that we're back in the swing of things, I thought I should provide this update with some info on, well, updating. A lot of IMI members have been asking for some advice on updating their website and how to make the most of their website.
Here are some things I do:
a. Always keep a "What's New" page - Keeping your clients informed on new developments to your business is crucial. Always provide new information to your website, no matter how big or small. You may have to struggle at times to provide new info during times of low activity, but provide your clients with some new development in your business or area of knowledge.
*Do not look at this as stressful activity - it can be a great way to come up with new creative ideas and forcing you to stay on top of your business in your clients' best interest.
b. Keep an archive - even after posting new messages, do not get rid of old material. Like a library for your business, it can be valuable to new clients who need help and advice.
c. Update on a regular schedule - I actually drew out a table for my schedule of updating this blog, the IMI website, and my online article submissions. I stick to it exclusively.
Do the same, especially with your What's New. Customers appreciate that kind of prompt service and it help make your business that much more reputable.
d. Add a new design - Rightly or wrongly, fashion and trends change. It's just how it goes. Like your home decor, sometimes your website is going to need a new look. Keep abreast of new online trends and if you feel that your website is starting to look old, update it with a more contemporary look. If you get stuck with this, look up a graphic designer or other
e. Change a new feature or icon - One of my favourite bands never wanted to put music samples online. Until recently. Now you can log onto their website and get snippets of new recordings before they are commercial available. Fans like me have already posted comments and created a new buzz for the band's new disc release. If you have a video of a seminar you held or a new splash graphic for a particular product, put it up. A new, more modern update can make your website look that much more appealing to both new and existing clients. You can create your own buzz.
Updating your website is truly one of the best things of being an information marketer. You can utilize your creative juices to come up with something really appealing for your clients and, in the end, generate even more sales. It's a great vehicle for success.
More to come. All the best for the week,
James B.
For more information, visit us here at the Information Marketing Institute.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Sources – Where to Get Ideas and Inspiration
Hey all,
Well the weekend is upon us. Here in the Great White North, the unusually balmy weather has given way to a slight chill this morning. No doubt ice will be forming and, on the plus side, some skating might be on the agenda for the weekend. If not, my bud Mike just sent over a compilation CD of Wilco, Son Volt, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and the twangy-like. Either way, the weekend should be good.
At first I thought my weekend would not be so hot. My colleague just dropped me off a stack of books and literature to read. Doing homework was nothing something any of us really enjoy, but in this case I will take exception. Before me I have a box of print outs, books, and small press magazines to read for the weekend. We have some new product launches coming up so these bits of literature are going to come in handy.
Information marketing is the kind of business that always pushes you to think and create more. It’s great that way. But as we all know, these creative wells can run dry and have to be refreshed. There are several ways you can do this. Here are some things and sources rely on:
---Related Books. We have an extensive library at Information Marketing Institute. And not just books about marketing or sales – all kinds of biographies, case studies, and compendiums. Sometimes reading a history of David Ogilvy or some complied studies of a famous marketing campaign can generate new ideas quickly. This can be good for you too. Read something when your mind is blank. Visit the library and check the latest periodicals. You can get ideas for new trends and movements in your field. Even better: you might learn about what NOT to do.
--Related Websites and Blogs. Obviously you will be glued to your computer a lot with your information marketing business. Surfing the Net is never a bad thing and I am sure I don’t need to tell you how much potential information is out there. But be sure to refine your search and skip over forums or message boards that are long and not immediately informative.
--Getting in Touch With a Professional. A friend of mine is a pedal steel guitar player. He studied the instrument like mad and got really frustrated about his progress. One night after a show in a tavern, he met another, more experienced and highly successful steel player from Nashville. Mustering up confidence, he approached the musician, began talking with him, and before long they were sitting at the bar, talking, and they stayed till close. Not only did my friend learn lots that night, he had the added enjoyment of meeting an idol, sharing a drink, and having fun. You can do the same. Offer to meet up with a pro and take them out for a coffee or meal, and be sure to pick their brain. You will gain a ton of insight and you might even form a very fruitful connection that could beneficial down the line.
--Pay a Visit to a Centre of Activity. Sometimes where you are located isn’t necessarily where the action is. My boss at an old publishing job used to take frequent trips to Calgary, Madrid, and San Francisco as, at the time, that was where new publishing successes were occurring. While he may have had more money and time than you to do this, don’t be afraid to take an occasion road trip or short excursion to a place where you can learn something to benefit your business. While there, sign up for a seminar, visit a convention, or meet a competitor to see what is happening.
--Take an Extended Break. It’s quite possible that your creative juices are down because you’re overworked. Often taking a holiday allows your brain to cool down and relax. Then, all of a sudden, an idea comes out of the blue and you are ready for action again. When all else fails, do this. It might just be the ticket.
Ideas are everywhere. We are lucky as humans that our brains can generate images and ideas or untold proportion and scope. The trick is to harness and utilize them to our advantage.
Best of luck and have a great weekend,
J.
Well the weekend is upon us. Here in the Great White North, the unusually balmy weather has given way to a slight chill this morning. No doubt ice will be forming and, on the plus side, some skating might be on the agenda for the weekend. If not, my bud Mike just sent over a compilation CD of Wilco, Son Volt, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and the twangy-like. Either way, the weekend should be good.
At first I thought my weekend would not be so hot. My colleague just dropped me off a stack of books and literature to read. Doing homework was nothing something any of us really enjoy, but in this case I will take exception. Before me I have a box of print outs, books, and small press magazines to read for the weekend. We have some new product launches coming up so these bits of literature are going to come in handy.
Information marketing is the kind of business that always pushes you to think and create more. It’s great that way. But as we all know, these creative wells can run dry and have to be refreshed. There are several ways you can do this. Here are some things and sources rely on:
---Related Books. We have an extensive library at Information Marketing Institute. And not just books about marketing or sales – all kinds of biographies, case studies, and compendiums. Sometimes reading a history of David Ogilvy or some complied studies of a famous marketing campaign can generate new ideas quickly. This can be good for you too. Read something when your mind is blank. Visit the library and check the latest periodicals. You can get ideas for new trends and movements in your field. Even better: you might learn about what NOT to do.
--Related Websites and Blogs. Obviously you will be glued to your computer a lot with your information marketing business. Surfing the Net is never a bad thing and I am sure I don’t need to tell you how much potential information is out there. But be sure to refine your search and skip over forums or message boards that are long and not immediately informative.
--Getting in Touch With a Professional. A friend of mine is a pedal steel guitar player. He studied the instrument like mad and got really frustrated about his progress. One night after a show in a tavern, he met another, more experienced and highly successful steel player from Nashville. Mustering up confidence, he approached the musician, began talking with him, and before long they were sitting at the bar, talking, and they stayed till close. Not only did my friend learn lots that night, he had the added enjoyment of meeting an idol, sharing a drink, and having fun. You can do the same. Offer to meet up with a pro and take them out for a coffee or meal, and be sure to pick their brain. You will gain a ton of insight and you might even form a very fruitful connection that could beneficial down the line.
--Pay a Visit to a Centre of Activity. Sometimes where you are located isn’t necessarily where the action is. My boss at an old publishing job used to take frequent trips to Calgary, Madrid, and San Francisco as, at the time, that was where new publishing successes were occurring. While he may have had more money and time than you to do this, don’t be afraid to take an occasion road trip or short excursion to a place where you can learn something to benefit your business. While there, sign up for a seminar, visit a convention, or meet a competitor to see what is happening.
--Take an Extended Break. It’s quite possible that your creative juices are down because you’re overworked. Often taking a holiday allows your brain to cool down and relax. Then, all of a sudden, an idea comes out of the blue and you are ready for action again. When all else fails, do this. It might just be the ticket.
Ideas are everywhere. We are lucky as humans that our brains can generate images and ideas or untold proportion and scope. The trick is to harness and utilize them to our advantage.
Best of luck and have a great weekend,
J.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Client Relations - Tips of the Trade
Hey all,
Hope the week is going well and that for those of you living in the North American east, you're enjoying the surprisingly warm weather. I actually got out for a jog the other day...!
It's been very busy at the Information Marketing Institute lately. Lots of clients are sending e-mails and calling the office for tips on their information marketing business. During my lunch I had the opportunity to watch some of our customer service representatives deal with clients over the phone. Talk about professional! These people really know their jobs and how to deal with questions, queries, or problems the minute they arrive.
I took some mental notes of the whole situation and thought I'd share them with you in this post. Like our in-house staff, you are seldom going to actually deal with your clients face-to-face so it's good to be ready once the phone starts ringing.
-- Always introduce yourself and your business. A good example I picked up from one of our reps was: "Thanks for calling the Information Marketing Institute. This is [your name]. How can I help you today?" It's simple and direct. And it works!
--Listen, listen, listen. No matter how long the call might be, be sure to listen to everything the client is asking for. You will be able to deal with the problem faster.
--Keep a paper pad and pen handy. There may be a concern or two or three or four. That's a lot to remember so jot down everything you need to so you don't forget.
--Don't be afraid to get help. One benefit of Information Marketing Institute is that we have Palma, our customer service supervisor who has years of experience under her arm, right in house. If one of the reps needs help, they flag her for assistance. Do the same. If you don't have the answers right at hand, take down the client's contact information and follow up with them once you have the answer. Be prompt with your response as it strengthens the client-business relationship.
--Keep it professional. It's great to be nice, but don't indulge in too much small talk or off-topic banter. You are there to provide them a service. It's up to you to be as professional as possible and to maintain the quality of your business. Again, the client will appreciate it.
I used to work in stores and shops when I was in school. Watching our in-house client service reps brought back memories of how to deal with the public and keep your business operating smoothly. It was a good lesson to have learned and one I can share with you.
Good luck!
James Burt, Information Marketing Institute
Come check us out at: http://www.info-marketing-institute.com/
Hope the week is going well and that for those of you living in the North American east, you're enjoying the surprisingly warm weather. I actually got out for a jog the other day...!
It's been very busy at the Information Marketing Institute lately. Lots of clients are sending e-mails and calling the office for tips on their information marketing business. During my lunch I had the opportunity to watch some of our customer service representatives deal with clients over the phone. Talk about professional! These people really know their jobs and how to deal with questions, queries, or problems the minute they arrive.
I took some mental notes of the whole situation and thought I'd share them with you in this post. Like our in-house staff, you are seldom going to actually deal with your clients face-to-face so it's good to be ready once the phone starts ringing.
-- Always introduce yourself and your business. A good example I picked up from one of our reps was: "Thanks for calling the Information Marketing Institute. This is [your name]. How can I help you today?" It's simple and direct. And it works!
--Listen, listen, listen. No matter how long the call might be, be sure to listen to everything the client is asking for. You will be able to deal with the problem faster.
--Keep a paper pad and pen handy. There may be a concern or two or three or four. That's a lot to remember so jot down everything you need to so you don't forget.
--Don't be afraid to get help. One benefit of Information Marketing Institute is that we have Palma, our customer service supervisor who has years of experience under her arm, right in house. If one of the reps needs help, they flag her for assistance. Do the same. If you don't have the answers right at hand, take down the client's contact information and follow up with them once you have the answer. Be prompt with your response as it strengthens the client-business relationship.
--Keep it professional. It's great to be nice, but don't indulge in too much small talk or off-topic banter. You are there to provide them a service. It's up to you to be as professional as possible and to maintain the quality of your business. Again, the client will appreciate it.
I used to work in stores and shops when I was in school. Watching our in-house client service reps brought back memories of how to deal with the public and keep your business operating smoothly. It was a good lesson to have learned and one I can share with you.
Good luck!
James Burt, Information Marketing Institute
Come check us out at: http://www.info-marketing-institute.com/
Monday, February 9, 2009
Getting Tired of the Bad News? Don't Worry...
Dear Info Marketers,
The news hasn't been all that great lately, has it? If you haven't been offset by the fires and floods raging through Australia or the latest political strife on the Gaza Strip, you're probably in tune with the headlines right at home with the North American economy.
Jobs are getting cut like crazy. Nissan, Microsoft, Starbucks, Home Depot...all of the giants are cutting jobs into the six figure ranges. The message from all this is the same: if you haven't been directly affected by this, you will be.
Depressing, right? You bet it is. Talk of government bailout and personal debt doesn't help matters much at all.
But the good news is you don't have to worry. Seriously. You just have to be tough. The old adage of tough times calling for tough measures can be useful, as it forces you to be a better business person. This stance can truly help your information marketing business to only survive, but to grow as well.
My colleagues Adrian Newman and Mathew Lecompte have been working like mad and have come up with some sure fire ways to help you with your info marketing business. Go to our website for details on how you can safe guard and your info marketing business.
Remember: bad news sells a lot of newspapers and creates a lot of public panic. But it doesn't have to ruin you or your business. Learning to staying strong and driven is a quality worth striving for. Believe me, you WILL see success.
Good luck and all the best!
J.
The news hasn't been all that great lately, has it? If you haven't been offset by the fires and floods raging through Australia or the latest political strife on the Gaza Strip, you're probably in tune with the headlines right at home with the North American economy.
Jobs are getting cut like crazy. Nissan, Microsoft, Starbucks, Home Depot...all of the giants are cutting jobs into the six figure ranges. The message from all this is the same: if you haven't been directly affected by this, you will be.
Depressing, right? You bet it is. Talk of government bailout and personal debt doesn't help matters much at all.
But the good news is you don't have to worry. Seriously. You just have to be tough. The old adage of tough times calling for tough measures can be useful, as it forces you to be a better business person. This stance can truly help your information marketing business to only survive, but to grow as well.
My colleagues Adrian Newman and Mathew Lecompte have been working like mad and have come up with some sure fire ways to help you with your info marketing business. Go to our website for details on how you can safe guard and your info marketing business.
Remember: bad news sells a lot of newspapers and creates a lot of public panic. But it doesn't have to ruin you or your business. Learning to staying strong and driven is a quality worth striving for. Believe me, you WILL see success.
Good luck and all the best!
J.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Special Article from a Colleague
Dear Info Marketers,
My good friend and colleague Mathew Lecompte has just put out a new article and will likely be invaluable to you building your information marketing business. Mathew is a seasoned copywriter and the developer of the Stay at Home and Get Rich package for IMI.
Have a look - you'll be glad you did.
Oh, and don't forget to come by the site too. We've added some new features and articles too:
http://www.info-marketing-institute.com/sign_up.html
Have a good weekend,
J.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
THE INFORMATION MARKETING INSTITUTE'SINFO MARKETING E-HOTLINE
** Content Is King When Trying to Promote Online
By Mathew LeCompte, Editorial Director of the IMI
The world is starving for information. Every day, billions of people search the Internet, listen to their radios, watch TV, and read books, newspapers, newsletters and magazines. All for the goal of gaining more information.
The demand is huge. However, the supply is limited. And that's where you come in.
There are hundreds of millions of information-based mediums out there that are starving for content. They just can't keep up with the demand and, unfortunately, they sometimes are stuck and will either recycle old and out-of-date content, or just not bother updating their stuff at all.
But you, as a successful infopreneur, can contact these information sources and supply them with written content. Not only that, but because you'll be offering it to them for free (I'll explain why in a second), they'll virtually have no choice but to say yes.
And all of this will lead to more exposure for you, which in turn could result in more sales. Here's what to do:
1. Determine the Universe. Basically, search out web sites or publications similar to your expertise. For example, if you've got a product that shows how to eliminate your golf slice, go to golf news web sites, magazines, golf courses, golf shops, etc.
See if they have a newsletter or any other publication. If they do, then...
2) Contact them. Simply give them a phone call or fire off an e-mail. Explain who you are and what your product is about. Tell them you'd love to write some content for their web site or publication for free. In return, all you want is some exposure to help sell your information product.
3) When they say yes, get them your content as quickly as possible. Don't procrastinate; the quicker you get your stuff to them, the better.
Some important tips to remember:
-- Read their stuff. The last thing you want to do is to send them an article that basically matches an article they published the day before. It immediately puts a bad taste in their mouth and they might not give you a second chance to redeem yourself.
-- Find out their rules. They might have a limit on the word count of your content. If you have to edit your article down to fit their parameters, gladly do it. On the flip side, if you have to add words to make their word count, you'll have to do that, too.
-- Don't sell in your article. When writing your content, don't try and sell your info product. The key of the article is to get exposure for yourself. Linking them to your web site or mentioning that you're the author of a similar themed report is fine. But don't put on a sales push, unless you...
-- Find out if you're allowed to sell. Some web sites will allow you to put a sales push as an article. It's virtually guaranteed that they won't until a relationship has been established. But let's say you've been writing content for a web site for a month, you might be asked if you want to promote your product for sale. However, chances are you'll have to split the revenue down the middle. As long as you're still making money, I would take that deal.
-- Track your sales. The last thing you want to do is to be writing a lot for a publication that isn't getting you any sales or even exposure. Online, it's easy to track who visits your site and where they linked in from. Offline, don't be afraid to ask a customer where they heard about you. If a site isn't generating exposure for you, stop wasting your time and efforts with them and focus on the ones that are getting you sales.
My good friend and colleague Mathew Lecompte has just put out a new article and will likely be invaluable to you building your information marketing business. Mathew is a seasoned copywriter and the developer of the Stay at Home and Get Rich package for IMI.
Have a look - you'll be glad you did.
Oh, and don't forget to come by the site too. We've added some new features and articles too:
http://www.info-marketing-institute.com/sign_up.html
Have a good weekend,
J.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
THE INFORMATION MARKETING INSTITUTE'SINFO MARKETING E-HOTLINE
** Content Is King When Trying to Promote Online
By Mathew LeCompte, Editorial Director of the IMI
The world is starving for information. Every day, billions of people search the Internet, listen to their radios, watch TV, and read books, newspapers, newsletters and magazines. All for the goal of gaining more information.
The demand is huge. However, the supply is limited. And that's where you come in.
There are hundreds of millions of information-based mediums out there that are starving for content. They just can't keep up with the demand and, unfortunately, they sometimes are stuck and will either recycle old and out-of-date content, or just not bother updating their stuff at all.
But you, as a successful infopreneur, can contact these information sources and supply them with written content. Not only that, but because you'll be offering it to them for free (I'll explain why in a second), they'll virtually have no choice but to say yes.
And all of this will lead to more exposure for you, which in turn could result in more sales. Here's what to do:
1. Determine the Universe. Basically, search out web sites or publications similar to your expertise. For example, if you've got a product that shows how to eliminate your golf slice, go to golf news web sites, magazines, golf courses, golf shops, etc.
See if they have a newsletter or any other publication. If they do, then...
2) Contact them. Simply give them a phone call or fire off an e-mail. Explain who you are and what your product is about. Tell them you'd love to write some content for their web site or publication for free. In return, all you want is some exposure to help sell your information product.
3) When they say yes, get them your content as quickly as possible. Don't procrastinate; the quicker you get your stuff to them, the better.
Some important tips to remember:
-- Read their stuff. The last thing you want to do is to send them an article that basically matches an article they published the day before. It immediately puts a bad taste in their mouth and they might not give you a second chance to redeem yourself.
-- Find out their rules. They might have a limit on the word count of your content. If you have to edit your article down to fit their parameters, gladly do it. On the flip side, if you have to add words to make their word count, you'll have to do that, too.
-- Don't sell in your article. When writing your content, don't try and sell your info product. The key of the article is to get exposure for yourself. Linking them to your web site or mentioning that you're the author of a similar themed report is fine. But don't put on a sales push, unless you...
-- Find out if you're allowed to sell. Some web sites will allow you to put a sales push as an article. It's virtually guaranteed that they won't until a relationship has been established. But let's say you've been writing content for a web site for a month, you might be asked if you want to promote your product for sale. However, chances are you'll have to split the revenue down the middle. As long as you're still making money, I would take that deal.
-- Track your sales. The last thing you want to do is to be writing a lot for a publication that isn't getting you any sales or even exposure. Online, it's easy to track who visits your site and where they linked in from. Offline, don't be afraid to ask a customer where they heard about you. If a site isn't generating exposure for you, stop wasting your time and efforts with them and focus on the ones that are getting you sales.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sign Up Now!
Dear Info Marketers,
Hope the winter is, what's the term, "more relaxing" where you are than here. Lots of snow in the forecast, both today and through the week. Ah well...at least I won't have to worry about getting out skiing again!
If aren't a skiier however and find yourself stuck inside, why not visit our new website and sign up for our e-newsletter? My colleague Adrian has been working like crazy and has some great new tips to offer you on promoting your info marketing business. The newsletter is free and comes on a daily basis.
The winter can be long, I know. But they don't have to be bad. Not at all. And if you find yourself stuck inside, why get wealthy while you're there...?
Visit: http://www.info-marketing-institute.com/index.html
Have a great week,
J.
Hope the winter is, what's the term, "more relaxing" where you are than here. Lots of snow in the forecast, both today and through the week. Ah well...at least I won't have to worry about getting out skiing again!
If aren't a skiier however and find yourself stuck inside, why not visit our new website and sign up for our e-newsletter? My colleague Adrian has been working like crazy and has some great new tips to offer you on promoting your info marketing business. The newsletter is free and comes on a daily basis.
The winter can be long, I know. But they don't have to be bad. Not at all. And if you find yourself stuck inside, why get wealthy while you're there...?
Visit: http://www.info-marketing-institute.com/index.html
Have a great week,
J.
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